According to Harvard Medical School, Americans spend approximately 90% of their lives indoors, with the percentage increasing as a person ages. Such a sedentary life lends itself to poor physical health but also can be harmful to someone who is already prone to mental health issues like depression. Spending more time outside offers benefits to many, including those who cope with mental health conditions or have a substance abuse disorder. University of Pittsburgh studies showed that spinal surgery patients exposed to natural light reported feeling less pain and reduced stress levels. Even experiencing a view from a window that showcased nature provided a positive effect on their recoveries.
People Who Are Outside a Lot Tend to Exercise More
People who spend a lot of time outdoors tend to get more exercise. While exercise can be done at home or in a gym, being outside can make exercise more palatable. Some people enjoy focused activities like running, biking, or hiking. For others, an increase in physical activity can be accomplished just by walking more when outside or engaging in hobbies like gardening. Regular exercise offers many physical benefits, such as lowered blood pressure, a healthier heart, and weight control. It is also proven to help with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors Isn’t Limited to Summer
While warmer weather provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, playing baseball, and mountain biking, don’t let the advent of colder weather keep you inside. If you bundle up in warm clothing, long walks still provide a way to get your circulation going and provide interesting views along your route. In areas where snowfall is prevalent, many people enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and riding snowmobiles. Frozen lakes offer the opportunity to experience ice skating and ice fishing.
The great outdoors offers a wonderful setting that can help a person managing their mental health or substance abuse disorders. Whether engaging in an exercise like running and biking or simply taking a walk or sitting beside a lake, being outside provides both mental and physical benefits. Our scenic Denver area location offers many choices for outdoor activities that can complement the treatment programs we provide. Our male-only facility offers many options for healing your mental health, addictions, and relationships. Get moving and call us today to get started on a program for your needs! (303) 952-5035.
